Recently I read where an average detectorists finds amount to around seventy cents an hour. It's not
a good way to pay for your investments is it?

There are ways to earn "decent money" using your detecting skills though. Let's explore a few
of them.

The lost and found ads in local papers often offer rewards for the return of jewlery or other
items of value.

If you live near water, let people know that you will look for lost items for a small fee. The same
can be done at hotels that have outside areas used by guests.

After disasters, people look through what's left of thier belongings searching for lost items. Offer your
time to look for that jewlery box, or that coin collection.

Offer your services to the local police to help search crime and accident scenes. This is a good way for
them to get to know you and maybe refer you to someone that has a lost item.

If approached the right way, auto accident locations can be searched (after things settle
down of course). Items can be returned to the owners or thier families.

Find out where local car washes dump the contents of thier vaccuum cleaners. Think of all the stuff you've
lost from pockets while in cars. There's always the chance of a ring or watch being found.

Talk to local insurance agents and ask for the chance to search for lost jewlery before a
claim is paid. No find, no fee. If the item is not found, the insurance company looks good because they went
that 'extra mile' for thier client, and you have made a friend and a potential lead. If you do find it, the insurance company
will sometimes pay a finders fee instead of the entire insured amount, and you still have the grateful client. Truly
a win/win situation!

Post fliers advertising your services. Have a set rate that is paid in advance for an hour or
two of your services. If you find the item, great. If not, perhaps the person would be willing to have you search
more on your own time and if you find the item, a percent of the items value and any other items you find and want
to keep could be your fee.

Donate a few finds to local historical societies. You won't 'turn a profit' on donations, but they can help
at tax time.

Collectors often pay a good amount for items you may consider trash. Examples; Hot
Wheel cars, old canning jars, pins and buttons, belt buckles, and silverware.